Advanced Perceptual Color Processing for Modern Content Creation and Delivery

The Colorfront Engine™ (CFE) is a color processing system based on human visual perception, with applications ranging from handling camera original images to remapping finished masters.

SDR

HDR

SDR

HDR

SDR

HDR

SDR

HDR

SDR

HDR

Landscape

Understanding the Landscape

Modern productions routinely employ multiple camera formats, each with unique color characteristics and technical specifications. Onset monitoring, Dailies, Editorial and VFX reviews are increasingly a mix of SDR and HDR. Deliverables are required in numerous formats, from traditional SDR broadcast to cutting-edge HDR streaming and cinema versions.

This exponential increase in format combinations demands a more sophisticated approach to color processing and management to ensure consistent creative intent across diverse viewing experiences.

Automatic format detection and conversion

Perceptual color volume remapping based on human vision science

Comprehensive support for all major camera formats and delivery standards

Real-time processing capability for both file-based and live workflows

Advanced tools for HDR workflow optimization

Core Technology

Perceptual Color Processing

The Colorfront Engine uses an advanced perceptual processing model that accounts for how humans perceive color and contrast in various viewing conditions. Its perceptual transform maintains the image’s appearance across different brightness levels and color primaries, ensuring consistency despite varying surround brightness levels.

SDR to Dolby Vision

Automated conversion with metadata generation that ensures the Dolby-derived SDR output matches the original SDR content

HDR Cinema Versions

Tools for managing emerging HDR cinema deliverables for direct LED screens and next-generation projection systems

DCI to Dolby Vision

Specialized processing for converting theatrical masters to home video HDR

HDR Rolloff

Sophisticated highlight management with perceptual preservation of creative intent

Integrations

Workflow Integration

Colorfront Engine provides a consistent color processing pipeline throughout the entire production workflow.

1. On-Set

Real-time camera log processing for accurate monitoring.

2. Dailies

Efficient creation of viewing copies while preserving full creative potential

3. Editorial

Color-accurate workflow for creative decision making

4. VFX

Automated color conversion for VFX pulls

5. Finishing

High-quality mastering for multiple delivery formats

6. Distribution

Streamlined conversion for various exhibition platforms

Applications

Broadcast Applications

The Engine includes specialized tools for broadcast workflows.

Other possible Colorfront Engine applications could include implementation into consumer electronics devices and displays, exhibition hardware, and social media platforms.

Broadcast Converter

Optimized controls for display-referred conversions between SDR, HDR PQ, and HDR HLG

Live Production Support

Real-time processing for live broadcast applications

Quality Control Tools

Automated analysis and correction of HDR content

Implementations

Technical Implementation

Architecture: Colorfront Engine is designed for flexible deployment across various platforms

GPU-accelerated processing for real-time performance

CPU fallback for systems without dedicated graphics

Modular design for easy integration into existing workflows

Support for all major operating systems

SDK Integration:

Native C++ implementation for custom applications

OFX Plugin

Integration with compatible post-production software

Hardware Implementation:

Embedded processing for broadcast equipment

Cloud Processing:

Scalable solutions for content management platforms

Integration Options

The Engine can be integrated in multiple ways:

Notable Uses

The Colorfront Engine has already been implemented by technology partners, studios and post production facilities